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Philadelphia Museum of Art: Handbook of the Collections

The United Society of Believers in Christ's First and Second Appearing, more commonly known as the Shakers, established a thriving and industrious community in Canterbury, New Hampshire, in 1792. This table, part of the Museum's extensive collection of objects made by the Shakers, epitomizes the refined simplicity and fine craftsmanship inspired by the religious tenets of their movement. Highly "curled," or grained, wood such as the maple used here was regarded by the Shakers as a gift from God, and thus was the preferred material for a number of the talented cabinetmakers within the Canterbury community. The natural pattern of the maple provides this table with its bold, visual presence, while its turning and form remain in the characteristically restrained Shaker style. Shaker craftsmen using more plainly grained woods often painted the finished piece a bright color, such as yellow or blue, to add beauty and interest, or included more pronounced turned or shaped elements in its design. Jack L. Lindsey, from Philadelphia Museum of Art: Handbook of the Collections (1995), p. 279.

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